§ Mr. Hendryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that some 15,000 salmon have been caught, and many other severely injured, by drift nets this season, and that this will have a damaging effect on the salmon fishings in Scottish rivers and estuaries in future years; and whether he will now consult with the Minister of Agriculture, 98W Fisheries and Food about introducing legislation to prohibit the sale in the United Kingdom, as well as the export, of salmon caught other than by traditional methods within the legal seasons.
§ Mr. MaclayI have had reports that a large number of salmon have been caught in the Tweed area by drift nets this year and that the practice has spread to some extent to other areas. I am aware that if this reached substantial proportions over a wide area it could be damaging to salmon stocks. I am therefore giving urgent consideration, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to the question of what action is practicable and desirable.